The U.S. Forest Service has closed Taylor Creek until Nov. 2 due to public health concerns from potential crowds due to the pandemic, as well as interactions with bears, due to the fall spawning of Kokanee salmon.
Download the closure map
Visitors flock to the creek to observe the fall spawning, which also provides a natural food source for black bears. The risk of bear-human interaction combined with anticipated crowding and inability to maintain distance requirements have led to the closure.
The temporary closure order prohibits the public, including photographers, from entering the Taylor Creek area from Fallen Leaf Dam to the marsh area where the creek empties into Lake Tahoe. Parking areas at Taylor Creek Visitor Center, Taylor Creek Sno-Park and the nearby pump station will be closed and parking on the shoulders of Highway 89 near the bridge that crosses Taylor Creek will be prohibited.
As well, portions of the Rainbow Trail are still under construction for a trail improvement project and the area remains closed. | fs.usda.gov
